Acadia cuts services because of budget cuts

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) - Acadia National Park officials say the Park Loop Road and the road leading to the summit of Cadillac Mountain will open a month later than usual this spring because of federal budget cuts.

Acadia is facing a $390,000 cut beginning March 1 because of the series of automatic spending cuts known as "sequestration."

Because of the spending reductions, the park will extend its winter closure for one month. The Park Loop Road, the Cadillac Summit Road and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center will open May 19 instead of April 15.

The park also plans to offer fewer free ranger-led programs and school education programs, cut seasonal staffing and reduce the hours of operation at the visitor center.

The park typically receives more than 2 million visits each year.

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